A Place To Hide

by Amy Spangler
December 06, 2011

What do you think? Do mothers need to hide in order to breastfeed?

Hardly a month goes by without the media reporting a story of a mother being asked to leave a public place because someone was uncomfortable with her breastfeeding her baby. Breastfeeding in public has also been the subject of numerous posts and videos on baby gooroo.

Unfortunately, many people see breasts as sexual objects rather than a place where babies are nourished and comforted. Because breastfeeding offers so many benefits, most U.S. states have laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public. But despite these laws, many mothers are reluctant to do so for fear of disapproving stares and unkind remarks.

Some moms prefer to cover up while breastfeeding. While others object to having to hide the fact that they are breastfeeding. Even a lightweight blanket or cover can be stifling for a baby on a hot day.

The challenge is even greater when breastfeeding an older baby. Many people accept the need to breastfeed a young baby whenever he gets hungry. But lots of people don’t feel the same about older babies or young children. Click here for more information about breastfeeding beyond the first year.

What has been your personal experience breastfeeding your younger or older baby in public?

Please share your thoughts on this subject with our readers so that we can learn from one another. Don’t forget to include strategies for handling rude remarks!